Chapter 1053
At the airport, Anika waited anxiously in the crowded arrivals hall.
“Mom, over here!” she called out, waving.
Noticing how worn-out Anika looked, Elena hurried over, her face full of concern. “Anika, why do you look so exhausted? Have you lost weight?”
“Don’t worry, Mom. It’s hard to get a good night’s sleep in the hospital. And I didn’t put on any makeup today, so I probably look a little pale,” Anika said with a shrug, pretending to be relaxed.
“You’re pregnant now. You need to take care of yourself,” Elena warned, her eyes filled with concern. “There are plenty of people who can look after Marcel. His family, for example. You need to prioritize your own well-being.”
Anika guided her mother toward the exit and replied perfunctorily, “Okay, okay. I understand.”
As they walked out of the arrivals hall, Anika waved down a taxi. Suddenly, Elena’s expression tightened.
“You came here alone? The Brooks family didn’t send anyone to accompany you?” Elena asked anxiously.
“Marcel’s father is extremely busy,” Anika answered. “And his mother is taking care of Marcel at the hospital, so I came by myself.”
“What about their driver?” Elena’s frustration flared. “They didn’t even send a driver to bring you here, Anika? That’s unbelievable—especially when you’re pregnant with Marcel’s child. And now they couldn’t even be bothered to send someone to pick me up from the airport. This is outrageous!”
As she spoke, the taxi pulled up. Anika quickly ushered her mother inside.
“Mom, I’m sorry. I didn’t have time to notify the Brooks family because your visit was unexpected. The car is here now, so let’s just get in.”
During the ride, Elena couldn’t stop worrying. She held Anika’s hand tightly and said, “You’re so thin, my poor baby.”
“Mom, I’m fine. No matter how much I eat, I can’t seem to gain weight. Don’t worry about me,” Anika reassured her.
“You’ll always be my baby. How can I not worry about you?” Elena huffed.
“Okay, okay, I know…” Anika murmured.
When they arrived at the hospital, Anika immediately regretted asking Katie to look after Marcel. She should have called a hospital attendant instead.
Katie was already unhappy about Marcel’s accident, and Elena was furious with the Brooks family. Anika feared the two of them might clash the moment they met in the ward.
Her uneasiness grew until she felt like she was sitting on pins and needles.
When they entered the ward together, Katie didn’t greet them with a smile, but she remained courteous.
Although she disliked Anika, she knew she still needed Anika’s cooperation to keep Marcel’s condition stable for the time being. So she forced herself to be polite, careful not to create an awkward scene.
“It’s very kind of you to visit, Mrs. Mendoza,” Katie said, putting on a pleasant expression as she greeted Elena.
“I’m here to see Marcel,” Elena replied. “He’s such a lovely boy. I care about him deeply.”